There must be an easier way!Working on your truck is generally an enjoyable time, but it seems that even when we're the most careful and paying close attention to the task at hand, something jumps out and bites us at the exact moment we are vulnerable. Need to change the oil in your mom's minivan, but you only have one oil filter wrench, it's too big, and you're supposed to pick up your hot date in 30 minutes? Read on...we have a quick-and-easy, down-and-dirty solution to get you out of the jam or generally make the simple task even simpler. What we have compiled are 101 of the coolest garage tech tricks to help get you through even the most mind-numbing of maintenance chores and keep you from stuffing the pockets of your local service center. Following in no particular order. . .
At a show and you forgot the...
At a show and you forgot the bug and tar remover, but a greasy flying beast's carcass is smeared across the chrome? Use your girl's nail polish remover to instantly remove the mess. Be sure not to get any on the paint, though, as acetone is a great paint remover as well.
Applying final torque to an...
Applying final torque to an assembly with multiple fasteners usually requires a certain sequence. Take a cylinder head, for example. Following the manufacturer-specified sequence, you'll more than likely apply 75 percent of the final torque first, then reset the torque wrench and apply the final torque. After applying the final torque, go back over the sequence again to make sure all the fasteners are properly seated.
If you have to hold a nut...
If you have to hold a nut where your fingers can't reach and the tape trick with a socket or box wrench won't fit either, a dab of grease on the end of a standard screwdriver will hold the nut in place and is slim enough to get the nut where it's needed.
To locate a ticking noise...
To locate a ticking noise that you just can't seem to pinpoint, a piece of garden hose 24 inches long works great as a cheap stethoscope.
If you don't have any of the...
If you don't have any of the fancy new laser-etched, easy-to-read sockets, you can wipe some light-colored paint into the number etchings for an easy-to-read solution. Merely wipe off the excess and the numbers will be filled with paint that can be more easily seen in your dimly lit garage.
Still on drills, a hand drill...
Still on drills, a hand drill clamped in a vice can be used for a low-tech wire wheel or buffer. Just chuck the appropriate tool in place and go to work.
There is no way you can be...
There is no way you can be a home mechanic without a Unibit. In thinner metals, a Unibit is invaluable for drilling perfect holes where a standard drill would bend the edges of the hole as it chewed its way through.
Monitor your wheel bearings...
Monitor your wheel bearings with ease by jacking up the front of your truck so your truck's wheels are off the ground at least 2 or 3 inches. Grab the tire at the top and try to rock it back and forth. If it does nothing, you are okay. If it wiggles a small amount, you may be able to just retighten the castle nut and roll with it for a little while longer. Should you find the wheel moves a lot, then you are guaranteed to be near failure.
Truck seem low on power? Could...
Truck seem low on power? Could be a dead cylinder. An easy way to check, if you have headers, is to either mist or drop water on each header tube where it exits the head. The dead cylinder will be the one that stays wet.
Not exactly rocket science...
Not exactly rocket science in this day and age, but wrapping tape around a drill bit at a pre-measured length makes an easy depth-gauge point to stop drilling.
The best and easiest nut,...
The best and easiest nut, bolt, and fastener (or general junk) holder is still an empty ammo box. Plenty are still available at surplus stores or on the internet.
Save your fingers and use...
Save your fingers and use Q-tips for hard-to-reach areas you want to clean or detail. They reach easily into corners where your fingers don't have a chance.